1
as in tough
difficult to endure
harsh conditions in the refugee camp
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2
as in loud
disagreeable to one's aesthetic or artistic sense
the harsh lighting in the cafeteria makes the food look slightly off-color
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3
as in uncomfortable
causing discomfort
the harsh northern climate
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4
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a harsh judge when it comes to drug users and especially drug dealers
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5
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
the harsh reality of failure harsh words of criticism from her music teacher
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6
as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses
winced at the harsh sound that the beginner violinist was making
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of harsh
The team also developed a two-stage strength-control system that helps the material adapt to harsh climates and maintain consistent performance throughout the year.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
Hugo Gonzalez improves After enduring some harsh growing pains in Monday’s loss to Miami (3-for-12, 1-for-7 from three, six turnovers, seven fouls), Gonzalez responded well in his third game in Celtics uniform.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 18 July 2025
The indictment shines a harsh light on Hunsicker, but might take some of the heat off of CaaStle’s board, which was responsible for overseeing her.
—Evan Clark, Footwear News, 18 July 2025
The biggest change was the introduction of the punitive second apron, which imposed harsh team-building restrictions on teams that crossed said line.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
Hugo Gonzalez improves After enduring some harsh growing pains in Monday’s loss to Miami (3-for-12, 1-for-7 from three, six turnovers, seven fouls), Gonzalez responded well in his third game in Celtics uniform.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 18 July 2025
The indictment shines a harsh light on Hunsicker, but might take some of the heat off of CaaStle’s board, which was responsible for overseeing her.
—Evan Clark, Footwear News, 18 July 2025
The biggest change was the introduction of the punitive second apron, which imposed harsh team-building restrictions on teams that crossed said line.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh
Adjective
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The tougher policy changes are adding to the minors’ trauma, advocates say.—
Nicol León,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
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Her tough but fair approach caught the attention of Ed Koch, New York City's mayor at the time, who appointed her as a criminal court judge in 1982.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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The calls from the right flank of the GOP for Phelan's ouster were equally as loud as the calls that any speaker must have the support of most, if not all, of the Republican House members.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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The loudest voice in the manosphere is infamous for many things, including criminal charges of human trafficking, rape, and assault.—
Brad Wilcox,
The Atlantic,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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For marketers, this is both exciting and uncomfortable.—
Francesca Pezzoli,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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But the odd tone of their recent fight when Miranda comments on Carrie’s flirtation with her writer neighbor Duncan (Jonathan Cake) is uncomfortable.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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For example, in sales, if a customer wants a certain number of licenses but has a strict budget, an agent can help figure out the best deal by looking at things like license count, budget limits and different contract lengths (like one-, two- or three-year terms).—
Ian Gotts,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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That has meant more children facing immigration judges without lawyers, and stricter screening processes for releases from shelter custody that have prolonged stays to more than five months.—
Nicol León,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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Higher temperatures can be too hot for a dog’s paw pads and, in some cases, can cause painful burns.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
22 July 2025
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Some people will also get deeper nodules and cysts that are painful or tender to the touch.2 Ice can be very effective at alleviating pain and reducing inflammation.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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There are telltale signs that there's too much moisture in your house, from condensation to unpleasant odors.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
17 July 2025
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Set a Timer For particularly difficult or unpleasant tasks, set a timer for a short duration—for example, five to 30 minutes—and commit to working on that task until the time is up.—
Aubrey Bailey,
Verywell Health,
17 July 2025
Adjective
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In many areas along and east of the Mississippi River, heat index values could soar to between 110 and 115 degrees — the kind of oppressive heat that can quickly turn dangerous without proper precautions.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
23 July 2025
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Sweltering under a heat dome that brought oppressive triple-digit temperatures and humidity to large swaths of the Midwest and East Coast, average daily highs in Chicago topped 84.1 degrees in June, 3.7 degrees above normal.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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These are the kind of ugly games that sometimes get played when GMs and coaches grow apart and pressure builds on their job securities and livelihoods.—
Pat Leonard,
Hartford Courant,
21 July 2025
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In 1996, Cantor died, and Lutnick, after an ugly succession battle with Cantor’s widow, Iris, took control.—
Antonia Hitchens,
New Yorker,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harsh. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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